Motion in the Ocean: Mechanics of Fin Movement During Parental Bouts in Lythrypnus dalli
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Devaleena Pradhan (Mentor), Idaho State University
Abstract
The bluebanded goby, Lythrypnus dalli, is a bi-directional sex-changing fish where the male performs parental care. Parenting involves rubbing and fanning eggs in the nest where the pectoral, dorsal, and caudal fins are moving in intricate fashions. Although this behavior has been described and documented, no studies have described the specifics of the fin and body orientation during the parental care bouts. This study explores how often the head, dorsal fin, and caudal fin are in the same plane during a single parental care bout. Through watching a single parental care bout, I will quantify for every second if the head, dorsal fin, and caudal fin are in the same plane. This study will contribute to a baseline understanding of the orientation of a male L. dalli during parental bouts to further elaborate and describe the mechanics of parental care in the bluebanded goby.
Motion in the Ocean: Mechanics of Fin Movement During Parental Bouts in Lythrypnus dalli
The bluebanded goby, Lythrypnus dalli, is a bi-directional sex-changing fish where the male performs parental care. Parenting involves rubbing and fanning eggs in the nest where the pectoral, dorsal, and caudal fins are moving in intricate fashions. Although this behavior has been described and documented, no studies have described the specifics of the fin and body orientation during the parental care bouts. This study explores how often the head, dorsal fin, and caudal fin are in the same plane during a single parental care bout. Through watching a single parental care bout, I will quantify for every second if the head, dorsal fin, and caudal fin are in the same plane. This study will contribute to a baseline understanding of the orientation of a male L. dalli during parental bouts to further elaborate and describe the mechanics of parental care in the bluebanded goby.